Second graders from East Elementary perform a flag routine to patriotic music during the school's Patriot Day observance. The students later joined in on a parade that included area police officers, firefighters and Soldiers.

Story and photos by Dawn ArdenAssistant editor

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East Elementary School transformed their playground into a parade field filled with students sporting red, white and blue clothing and handmade decorations Sept. 11, in honor of Patriot Day.

Even though these children were born after 9-11 and some have yet to be told of the horrific events that unfolded that day, groups of them could still be heard chanting ‘USA, USA, USA’, in spirit of the day.

Warrant Officer Basic Course class 919 assisted school officials in ensuring the day would be a success.

“One of the things we got asked, was if we could come down here and share with the kids here during the 9-11 event for Patriot Day,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joe Boggess Jr., U.S. Army Engineer School Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced course. “I talked to the students (WOBC), and they wanted nothing more really then to be impressionable on the young children and at the same time show great support for them. So we looked at it and made sure we could get both classes down here.”

Boggess said that the warrant officer students enjoy helping the community. He added that this is the third event they’ve helped at within the school.

Before the parade started the students, volunteers and staff were treated to the musical talents of members of the Waynesville High School Choir, as the three ladies sang “Let Freedom Ring.”

East Elementary second-graders also preformed a flag routine to patriotic music for the crowd, followed by everyone joining in on the Pledge of Allegiance.

The parade was led by the Waynesville High School JROTC color guard, police, firemen, military members and the WHS Flag Team, with the students and staff marching behind them.

“East Elementary appreciates the support of our local heroes for Patriot Day. Having military personnel march with students is a great honor,” said Hilary Bales, principal. “It is so important to instill pride for our country in our students.”

East Elementary was one of the many places that observed Patriot Day in their own way.

“We love celebrating the heroism demonstrated on Sept. 11 and the appreciation we have for our military,” Bales added.